Info on Zimmerman jury sequestration released

SANFORD, Fla., July 18 (UPI) -- The sequestration of the jurors in the George Zimmerman murder trial in Florida included several evening and weekend excursions, including bowling.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office, which was responsible for the State vs. Zimmerman jury sequestration, released a statement Wednesday detailing the sequestration.

During the sequestration, which began on June 22 and lasted for 22 days, the six jurors in the trial stayed at the Marriott on International Parkway in Lake Mary, Fla., where they ate most of their meals and were allowed to have visitors, who were required to sign an agreement stating that they would not talk about the Zimmerman trial, the SCSO said.

Jurors ate out twice, once at Outback Steakhouse in Sanford and at Amigo's in Altamonte Springs, the SCSO said.

"Jurors also enjoyed several evening and weekend excursions to include bowling, shopping at the Volusia Mall, a day and dinner in St. Augustine (to include a visit to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum), manicures and pedicures, and watching fireworks on the fourth of July," the sheriff's office reported. "Jurors also went to the movies to see 'World War Z' and 'The Lone Ranger.' All movies viewed were pre-approved by the court."

The sequestration cost the SCSO an estimated $33,000, the sheriff's office said, adding that SCSO spent about $320,000 on overtime, equipment, and other trial-related expenses during the trial.

Experts say these costs may seem luxurious, but that they were not unreasonable, USA Today reported.

"It certainly seems reasonable to me that a woman would desire a bit of personal grooming over 22 days," said Randy Reep, a Florida attorney. "Going to the movies and having basic levels of entertainment -- I cannot see Ripley's to be extravagant -- seems very reasonable over three weeks."

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